Terrorist fund raising through criminal activities

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how terrorist funds are raised through criminal activities and NATO's role in the international fight against terrorism. Design/methodology/approach The paper outlines the more general context of NATO's overall role in the international fight against terrorism, the link between terrorist financing and organised crime and issues involved in confronting terrorism through the rule of law and democracy. Findings Deficiencies in democratic development, a weak state, a lack of civil society and the absence of sound economic institutions can be fertile bases for terrorist and criminal organisations. Even if terrorists can flourish in developed societies (and organised crime as well) it is a fact that the rule of law is a major obstacle to the development of terrorist activities. Originality/value The paper offers the opinion that sound democratic institutions remain the best answer to terror.